Stmicroelectronics Advanced MEMS sensor opens the era of Onlife

Stmicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor leader serving multiple electronic applications, has introduced the third generation of MEMS sensors. A new generation of sensors helps take the next leap in the perance and functionality of consumer mobile, smart industrial, smart medical and smart retail products.

MEMS technology is the foundation of stable and reliable wafer-level motion and environment sensors. Today's smart phones and wearable devices rely on MEMS sensors for intuitive context awareness. The latest generation of MEMS sensors from stmicroelectronics has improved the perance to a new level, and the accuracy and power consumption of the output data have broken the limitations of the existing technology. The new sensor enables higher measurement accuracy for activities detection, indoor navigation, precision industrial sensing and other product functions. At the same time, a new generation of sensors will keep power consumption low to extend the battery life of the device.

Third generation technology improves accuracy and efficiency, with additional features including edge machine learning and static inductance measurement. Stmicroelectronics...
Third generation technology improves accuracy and efficiency, with additional features including edge machine learning and static inductance measurement. Stmicroelectronics/Provided

 The MLC core brings self-tuning machine learning capabilities to low-power edge applications. The QVAR (charge change) sensing channel can detect changes in static charge through physical contact with the wearer of a smart watch or fitness band, or through non-contact sensing (radar). MEMS sensors with built-in QVAR can enhance user interface control, ensure smooth communication, or simplify moisture and condensation detection designs. Applications of radar mode include human presence detection, activity monitoring and human count.

Simone Ferri, MEMS Marketing Director at stmicroelectronics, said that the new generation of breakthrough products is based on ST's expertise in MEMS and a massive investment in process technology. In addition to revolutionizing the sensor's perance, we have expanded the portfolio of new generation sensors by adding optional features such as static inductance measurement and machine learning. The conclusion is that a new generation of sensors is ready for Onlife. Onlife is about improving our lives in a transparent and seamless way through always-on, always-running and always-connected technology.

The first product of the new generation is the LPS22DF air pressure sensor and the LPS28DFW waterproof air pressure sensor, both of which operate with current of 1.7µA and absolute pressure accuracy of 0.5hPa. The LPS28DFW has two detection ranges to accurately measure vertical position underwater and above water. The detection range can be adjusted to a maximum of 1260 hPa or 4060 hPa, which corresponds to water pressure at a depth of about 30 meters. These sensors enhance the altimeter and barometer perance of portable and wearable devices, including sports watches. Typical industrial applications include devices for weather monitoring and accurate water depth detection.

Another addition to the lineup is the LIS2DU12 3-axis accelerometer. This specially designed product features excellent ultra-low power architecture and active anti-aliasing filtering. Turning on anti-aliasing filters leads the industry in power consumption. The LIS2DU12 consumes only 3.5µA at 100Hz Output Data Rate (ODR) and is the first general-purpose accelerometer with I3C interface. All features are integrated into a 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.74mm miniature package. The accelerometer is suitable for wearables, hearing AIDS, TWS true wireless Bluetooth headsets, wireless sensor nodes, and any application where system optimization is required.

The LSM6DSV16X 6-axis iNEMO inertial module contains the QVAR static inductor, the MLC core and the Finite State Machine (FSM) to improve response perance and save power. The minimum operating current is 12µA. The new FSM supports self-adjusting configuration (ASC). With this feature, the module can be context-aware and reconfigure itself without waking up the system to save a lot of power. The module is about to go into production and has been used in electrostatic radar. Users of the module have a pre-check function to speed up wake-up of notebook computers.

The LPS22DF Air pressure sensor comes in a 2.0mm x 2.0mm x 0.73mm 10-pin LGA package. The LPS28DFW air pressure sensor comes in a 2.8mm x 2.8mm x 1.95mm 7-pin LGA package, both of which are already in mass production. The LIS2DU12 and LSM6DSV16X are scheduled for mass production in late 2022.